It is no secret that social media marketing is the way the future is heading. It provides many new ways to reach out to your market and analytic tools to understand the customers better. However, it can be difficult to know which platform to start with.
Facebook and Instagram
According to Website Planet, more social media users have Instagram or Facebook accounts than nearly any other platform. To take advantage of this fact, you should create a marketing plan for these platforms. Facebook allows you to create groups for your loyal customers and set up ways to contact them directly. Both platforms can be used to make accounts for your business and help potential customers get an inside look through the content you post. Facebook and Instagram also have comprehensive, built-in analytics to help you better target local customers and see how they are reacting to what you post.
Nextdoor
The app Nextdoor is a platform where people can communicate with their neighbors within their own neighborhood. According to Podium, Nextdoor is perfect for targeting based on location because it requires people to verify their address. As a business, you can use this app to work towards building relationships with locals and understanding what is important to them on a day-to-day basis. Using what you learn, you can run local ads or provide exclusive discounts or promotions directly to the people you want to sell to. This is also a great way to see reviews in real time and fill any need in the community that may arise. Nextdoor is much more personal than the other platforms because you interact with people nearby.
YouTube
Video is an overlooked form of marketing. However, a video sends a message to its viewers using both visual and auditory methods. According to ReferralCandy, the best platform for video marketing is YouTube. You can make video ads for your local business, which will also have the potential of reaching outside your community. Another effective way to market on YouTube is by creating a channel and posting video content. This works great if your products need visual instructions but can also be used as a portfolio of your services. You can even link the videos you make on your website or other social media platforms.
At the end of the day, the best social media platform for your business is the one where your target customers are active. Once you spend your time creating a marketing plan for your local business, you will see how social media streamlines that process and increases your exposure. You will question why you did not make the shift online earlier.